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UK Defence Secretary on first visit praises Kurdistan's peace and development

THU, 1 NOV 2007 18:10 | KRG Cabinet

Erbil, Kurdistan-Iraq (KRG.org) – Des Browne, the UK Secretary of State for Defence, today made his first visit to the Kurdistan Region in Iraq. Mr Browne had wide ranging discussions with Mr Masoud Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region, and Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani. These discussions focused on the political situation in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, Kurdistan's model of development, the Kurdistan Regional Government's (KRG) excellent contribution to stability and order in Iraq, and the current situation between Turkey and the PKK.

In a joint press conference Mr Browne said, "I have come here to celebrate freedom with our friends, who are making the most of their situation. The Kurdistan Region shows what can be achieved when people cooperate and work together. This is a very strong example for the rest of Iraq. With better security, the rest of Iraq can follow this model."

President Barzani praised Mr Browne's visit, saying it came at an opportune time. He thanked the UK for its role in the liberation of Iraq. Regarding the current tension between Turkey and the PKK, the President called for brotherhood between Turks and Kurds. He said, "Military action to solve the current tensions between Turkey and the PKK will benefit no one. We believe that only dialogue can secure a long lasting solution." President Barzani stressed that the KRG is ready to be part of a solution.

In an earlier meeting between Mr Browne and Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani, the Prime Minister thanked the British leadership and people for the important role they have played in Iraq since 2003. Prime Minister Barzani emphasised that Turkey was an important trading partner and that the KRG was ready to do whatever it could to diffuse tensions. He said that only through dialogue and communication could a permanent peace be found.

Mr Browne welcomed the KRG's commitment to dealing the issue, saying that he believed the KRG is dedicated to finding a peaceful solution to the problem. He echoed comments from the Kurdistan Region’s leadership and said, “Military action to solve the problem of the PKK is in no one’s interest, dialogue is the way forward.” He believed that the UK could contribute to collective efforts to prevent the situation from escalating.

The UK's Defence Secretary went to Baghdad yesterday and had talks with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki. In their meeting they also agreed on a peaceful approach, he said.

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